Page 4 of Coming Home to Maverick

Tears welled up in her mother’s eyes, and she knelt carefully in front of Gracie Faith. Her loving mother eyes, the same eyes that had so carefully watched over Bailey as a child, searched Gracie Faith’s face. “Are you my granddaughter, darling?”

Gracie nodded. “I think so.” She reached out and placed a hand on her mama’s face. “You look like my mama.”

“She’s my baby, just like you’re her baby.”

Gracie nodded. “Then I’m your granddaughter.” She said it so matter-of-factly, Bailey wanted to laugh and sob at the intensity of the moment. She’d dreamed how it would be to introduce Gracie to her family since the day her daughter was born.

“I’m so happy to meet you.” Bailey’s mom smiled. “Do you wanna come inside? I’ve got cookies, and I can show you your mama’s old room. And then we can do whatever you want. I hope you settle right on in and stay awhile.” Her gaze flicked to Bailey, and the hopeful love there nearly broke her heart.

“We’ve come home, Mama. If you’ve got room, we’d love to stay awhile.” She’d called to tell her mother she was coming and that she had a daughter, but nothing could have prepared either of them for this moment.

Her mother’s eyes welled up again, and she just nodded.

Her dad stood in the doorway.

Her mom stopped. “Look, honey. Bailey’s come home.”

He stared for a moment. His age had not diminished his broad stature one inch. And then his face broke into a huge smile. “Come here, you.” He stretched out his arms and pulled Bailey into the safest place she’d ever known. She broke down and allowed all the tears to fall that she’d been holding in since she arrived in Willow Creek. Tears that she’d been holding in since she’d left in the first place, since she’d found out she was pregnant with this precious new soul. As she quietly shook, hoping not to worry her daughter, her father just hugged her, his hand patting her back.

“Is that Grandpa?” Her daughter sounded concerned, so Bailey backed away, wiping her eyes, and said, “Sweet pea, this right here is the greatest man you’ll ever meet. Your grandpa loves you, hon.”

She stepped forward and tipped her chin up so she could see his face. “Are you a giant?”

His laugh started deep inside and then bubbled over. “No, I’m no giant, but I sure would like to get to know you.”

“I’m Gracie Faith.”

“Well, come on in, little nugget. Once we get you settled, I’ll take you out to the barn to meet all the other guys we got around here.” He stopped. “Let’s get you unloaded first.” They made their way back to the car, and Bailey bit back her embarrassment. The car gave off an obvious homeless vibe.

“Do you like my bed?” Gracie pointed to her pillow in the back seat. “And Mama sleeps up there when she’s not driving.”

Her dad choked, his eyes getting misty. It was one of the few times she’d ever seen him get emotional.

“That’s nice, Gracie. I love the flowers on your pillowcase.”

Gracie grinned as she showed off where they’d been living for the last few months, and Bailey just took it, like she’d known she’d have to. The part of her life she’d hoped to never share with her parents was being put on display. She just kept reminding herself that Gracie was worth it. She deserved a house, a bed, and people who loved her.

Her dad hefted a box onto his shoulder and pulled their one piece of luggage into the house. “Gracie, I can’t wait to show you the guys.”

“There are more people?”

“He’s talking about the horses, love.” Mom smiled. “She’s gonna go see her room first, dear. And then you can whisk her off to your horses.”

“I love horses!” She squealed, and Bailey knew she’d made the right choice in coming home. No matter what it took, she was determined to give her daughter the life she deserved.

When they walked into Bailey’s old room, she about doubled over as her stomach clenched in pain. Pictures of her and Maverick were everywhere. The morning she’d spent getting ready for her wedding flashed before her eyes. Nothing in the room had changed. Her hairbrush was right where she’d left it. Her makeup case. The perfume she’d worn that day. She leaned against the doorframe, hoping no one else noticed how shaken she felt. She watched her daughter run around the room, picking up old rodeo trophies, hugging stuffed animals. And then when Gracie climbed up into the large four-poster, Bailey let the tears fall. Her attention drifted to the window overlooking the back pasture. She’d always stood at that window to watch the horses.

“Chester?” Her voice caught in her throat.

“Daddy couldn’t sell her. She’s out there whenever you’re ready.”

Her body literally itched to go take a ride, but she had to get Gracie settled first. Tonight, after everyone was in bed, she’d go talk to her horse.

Once they were all settled and Grandpa was showing Gracie how to brush down the horses, Bailey sat with her mom on the porch that overlooked the back paddock and pasture. “You and Dad look great.”

“We’re blessed with good health. But he’s slowing down, only working horses for our friends now. I’m happy at the county fair now and then. Otherwise, we lead a quiet life.”

Her mother didn’t ask where she’d been. She had to have a million questions, but she didn’t ask a single one. She just waited.

---